Meaning & Origins

Of relatively recent origin and uncertain etymology. It is first recorded in the 19th century. It may be a shortened form of Belinda, an adoption of Spanish linda ‘pretty’, or a Latinate derivative of any of various other Germanic female names ending in -lind meaning ‘weak, tender, soft’. It was popular in the 20th century, especially in the 1950s.

English, French, and German: from an Old French personal name of uncertain etymology. It appears to be a byname meaning ‘steadfast’, ‘enduring’, from the present participle of Old French (de)morer ‘to remain or stay’, but this may be no more than the reworking under the influence of folk etymology of a Germanic personal name. The later may be from the elements mōd ‘courage’ + hramn ‘raven’. Another possibility is derivation from Latin Maurus + suffix -andus (following the pattern of names formed from a verbal noun, such as Amandus).